Growing up in Jersey in 1976, I heard of this cruise... It wasn't advertised like other Dead events in Jersey City. (Jerry and friends on a ferry boat circling Manhattan! (No Way Man!)) I went to Ticketron and to my amazement, obtained 2 tickets. I brought a friend (who I had the hots for).. Sorry about that... We arrived in lower Manhattan looking for the SS Duchess (A steam powered ferry). After her second attempt to dock at the pier, we boarded. She had a glass covered engine room allowing you to see the inner workings of the hard pounding steam engine. This, put together with the band's rockin rhythm and you can imagine the venue. We went below, grabbed a few beers and got into the show. Suddenly, this naked chick comes running at me. (probably a hallucination)... We made our way to the top deck and found, to our delight, balloons filled with nitrous. Woo Hoo!.. Some folks were suckin it straight from the bottle. We called em gas hogs. Could have sworn the boat went around Manhattan twice. It was a great trip and I miss my youth.

Disclaimer: The story was told to me by someone who is no longer with us. God Bless and wish you all a good night.

I was one of the lucky ticket holders to this event. My sister and I along with 4 other friends attended this music event. I was only 16.....(My Mom had no idea)We got our tickets from Tickettron..I remember the balloons on the top deck of the ship supplied by "High Times" magazine..Alot of Angels..ALOT!

Hey all, thought I'd chime in...I posted this pic of a pic here before, and thought I had nailed it down to the pirate's ball (ouch! ) but here's Jer with the Bean...BTW, just watched the youtube vid where Jer is playing Wolf during, and after, the wedding ceremony (That's Alright, Mama), on the same cruise, I think...or is it?

joethepainter wrote:Hey all, thought I'd chime in...I posted this pic of a pic here before, and thought I had nailed it down to the pirate's ball (ouch! ) but here's Jer with the Bean...BTW, just watched the youtube vid where Jer is playing Wolf during, and after, the wedding ceremony (That's Alright, Mama), on the same cruise, I think...or is it?

This could easily be the '76 "Ball" (TB-500, Mesa)... the Hell's Angels Forever clip (w/ Jerry playing Wolf, BK on drums, Merl Saunders is a big hint...) is from the '73 "Party". I just noticed an MC3500 flash by at around 2:55! Just before the topless chick...

I have been reading with interest the number of post's relating to the Pirates Ball

I have very fond memories of one of these events. my understanding of the event, was that it was a benefit to raise funds for the defense of Sonny Barger, the then president of the Hells Angels under federal indictment in Oakland California.In late summer or Early fall of 1973. (sometime before Halloween of 1973 when I departed the East Coast for the West Coast) 3 Deadhead friends and I heard that Jerry Garcia was going to be playing under the George Washington Bridge in about. The four of us traveled in my friends VW bug and parked on the New York side under the GW bridge. (I should mention there were the usual/normal illicit substances involved with our participation in any of The Dead related events) We watched in awe as a circle line cruiser surrounded by police boats played in the middle of the river with occasional participants on the Circle line cruiser being thrown or jumping overboard. While watching this and straining to listen to the music, we were approached by two rather large Hells Angels in full Colors. They strongly suggested that we should give them a ride to the boat, as it was going to be traveling downriver and docking. Of course, we complied.The six of us drove down the W. Side Hwy. to where the boat had docked. (I don't recall the actual seating chart in the Bug, but it was a tight squeeze. then again, who cared!). The Angels were kind enough to get us on board and also helped escort us to the stage on the upper deck. We were all treated like honored guests(the Chicks a bit more so the my Best Friend at the time and I). We were encouraged to smoke this or drink this or take this. We all happily complied. My recollections are vague, but I do recall seeing Bo Diddley walking downstairs with his guitar strapped over one shoulder . I do have a specific and very fond memory of peeking, while watching and listening to Garcia and Saunders play as we cruised past the Statue of Liberty albeit under the influences of the many substances imbibed that day. I believe this event is included in the documentary movie "Hells Angels on Wheels'. I recall viewing it on a VCR tape years ago, in the hope that I would get a glimpse of myself in my youth. Unfortunately I did not see myself nor my other three that had friends. I hope to Visit and view the Archives at UC Santa Cruz someday soon. Perhaps there are some photos or films of this event that I will be able to view. if anyone else remembers any more specifics, I'd appreciate additional postings. Perhaps one or all of my three friends are still around and Dead Heads and may even reply . I;m sure you remember this one

isavpar wrote:I have been reading with interest the number of post's relating to the Pirates Ball

I have very fond memories of one of these events. my understanding of the event, was that it was a benefit to raise funds for the defense of Sonny Barger, the then president of the Hells Angels under federal indictment in Oakland California.In late summer or Early fall of 1973. (sometime before Halloween of 1973 when I departed the East Coast for the West Coast) 3 Deadhead friends and I heard that Jerry Garcia was going to be playing under the George Washington Bridge in about. The four of us traveled in my friends VW bug and parked on the New York side under the GW bridge. (I should mention there were the usual/normal illicit substances involved with our participation in any of The Dead related events) We watched in awe as a circle line cruiser surrounded by police boats played in the middle of the river with occasional participants on the Circle line cruiser being thrown or jumping overboard. While watching this and straining to listen to the music, we were approached by two rather large Hells Angels in full Colors. They strongly suggested that we should give them a ride to the boat, as it was going to be traveling downriver and docking. Of course, we complied.The six of us drove down the W. Side Hwy. to where the boat had docked. (I don't recall the actual seating chart in the Bug, but it was a tight squeeze. then again, who cared!). The Angels were kind enough to get us on board and also helped escort us to the stage on the upper deck. We were all treated like honored guests(the Chicks a bit more so the my Best Friend at the time and I). We were encouraged to smoke this or drink this or take this. We all happily complied. My recollections are vague, but I do recall seeing Bo Diddley walking downstairs with his guitar strapped over one shoulder . I do have a specific and very fond memory of peeking, while watching and listening to Garcia and Saunders play as we cruised past the Statue of Liberty albeit under the influences of the many substances imbibed that day. I believe this event is included in the documentary movie "Hells Angels on Wheels'. I recall viewing it on a VCR tape years ago, in the hope that I would get a glimpse of myself in my youth. Unfortunately I did not see myself nor my other three that had friends. I hope to Visit and view the Archives at UC Santa Cruz someday soon. Perhaps there are some photos or films of this event that I will be able to view. if anyone else remembers any more specifics, I'd appreciate additional postings. Perhaps one or all of my three friends are still around and Dead Heads and may even reply . I;m sure you remember this one